Origin. - The dried root of an undetermined plant, probably of the family Umbel-UfercB. It is thought by some to be Ferula sumbul (Kauffmann) Hooker fil, a perennial about 8 feet (2.4 M.) high, indigenous in regions north and east of British India.

Description and Properties. - It occurs in transverse segments, varying in diameter from I to 3 inches (2-7 Cm.), and in length from 6 to 12 inches (14-30 Cm.); light spongy, annulate or longitudinally wrinkled; bark thin, brown, more or less bristly fibrous; the interior whitish, with numerous brownish-yellow resin-dots and irregular, easily separated fibers; odor strong, musk-like; taste bitter and balsamic. It contains sumbolic and valerianic acids, a small quantity of volatile oil, and two balsamic resins, to which its odor is due.

Dose. - 15-30 grains (1.0-2.0 Gm.) [30 grains (2 Gm.), U. S. P.].

Official Preparations

Fluidextractum Sumbul - Fluidextracti Sumbul - Fluidextract of Sumbul. - Dose, average dose: 30 minims (2 Cc).

Extractum Sumbul - Extracti Sumbul - Extract of Sumbul. - Prepared from the fluidextract of sumbul.

Dose. - Average dose: 4 grains (0.250 Gm. = 250 milligrammes).

Physiological Action. - See Antispasmodics (Valerian).

Therapeutics. - The drug is valuable in the various manifestations of hysteria, and has been employed with some success in ovarian neuralgia and dysmenorrhea.

It is similar to, though not so efficient as, grindelia in spasmodic coughs. Indeed, most of the disorders benefited by the antispasmodics yield to the influence of sumbul.

In neurasthenia with anemia the extract of sumbul, combined with iron and arsenic, serves a very useful purpose.

Viburnum Prunifolium - Viburni Prunifolii - Black